The healthcare system in Haiti

The Haitian healthcare system is characterized by numerous challenges, including a strong dependence on external aid, inequalities in access to primary care, insufficient infrastructure, and limited public funding, which undermine the goal of universal health coverage in the country. This article aims to describe the general characteristics of Haiti's healthcare system, focusing on the adopted healthcare model, organizational structure, human resources, system organization, and management. Documentary research was conducted, including archives, scientific articles, and reports from governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations. Additionally, websites of various organizations and research institutes, notably the Ministry of Health and Population and the World Bank, were consulted. The study's findings highlight several critical issues within Haiti's healthcare system, such as inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and insufficient funding. Only 19.28% of the population has access to Primary Health Care, highlighting limited basic services, especially in remote areas. Dependence on external aid and the private sector undermines equity and coverage, stressing the need for strategic measures. This study contributes to the global literature on fragile health systems by illustrating how donor dependence and governance weaknesses interact to shape healthcare outcomes. It also brings novelty by mapping the contradictions between the Ministry of Health and Population's policies and field practices in the context of aid dependency.